Explore Bannau Brycheiniog (The Brecon Beacons)
Bannau Brycheiniog (The Brecon Beacons) was created in 1957 and covers an area of 1,344 square kilometers (519 square miles)
There is a wide range of activities available for all age groups, this area being particularly renowned for its cycle paths and stunning landscapes. You can also visit natural caves, castles, museums and even old gold mines along with a vast store of cultural heritage.
The highest peaks of the Brecon Beacons (Bannau Brycheiniog) National Park include Fan Brycheiniog (802.5m) to the west and Pen y Fan (886m) in the central area. Both mountains have features which have fascinated geologists for years, such as the enchanting glacial lakes of Llyn y Fan Fach and Lyln y Fan Fawr contained within the Black Mountain range.
Where is Bannau Brycheiniog (The Brecon Beacons) National Park?
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Bannau Brycheiniog FAQ’s
Brecon Cathedral: Founded in the 11th century, this cathedral is known for its beautiful choir, vaulting, and stained glass windows depicting Welsh saints
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Abergavenny Castle and Museum: This picturesque ruin is set against spectacular hills and includes a 19th-century hunting lodge that now serves as a museum of local history
Hay Castle: A historic site that has been recently restored, offering insights into medieval life
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Tretower Court and Castle: A fine example of a 13th-century circular keep and one of the finest late medieval houses in Wales. There are many more castles in the area, read our guide to Castles in Bannau Brycheiniog
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Pen-y-Crug Iron Age Hillfort: Located on a prominent hill above the Usk Valley, this hillfort features impressive earthwork banks and ditches. OS Champion Carys Rees has a great circular walk around Pen-y-Crug
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Maen Llia: A standing stone believed to date back to the Bronze Age, how on earth did they move it?
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Big Pit National Coal Museum: An impressive coal mining museum where visitors can go deep underground to explore former mining shafts
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Brecon Mountain Railway: A heritage railway that offers scenic rides through the beautiful landscapes of the Brecon Beacons
Yes, it was designated as an International Dark Sky Reserve in 2012, making it an excellent spot for stargazing
Yes, the park is home to many beautiful waterfalls, including Henrhyd Falls, the tallest waterfall in South Wale and Sgwd y Eira part of the Four Falls Trail which is breathtakingly beautiful as you can see below.
Yes, the challenging terrain is often used for military training exercises by the British Army
Explore More British National Parks
Our UK National Parks exist to enable everyone to enjoy getting outside into unspoilt nature and to preserve the stunning landscapes and diverse wildlife for future generations.
Choose a National Park from the list below or use the interactive map to start planning a national Park adventure.
Top Brecon Beacons National Park articles
The Beacons Way
The Beacons Way is a 100-mile-long distance footpath, that transverses through the centre of the Brecon Beacons National Park in South Wales. OS Champion Tracy Purnell takes us on a whistle-stop tour of the top spots along the way.
Things to do in Brecon Beacons National Park
Planning a trip to the Brecon Beacons? Take a look at our top things to do in Brecon Beacons National Park including some of the best waterfalls and viewpoints to visit.
Brecon Beacons (Bannau Brycheiniog): multi-day hike
Long distance walking is more popular than ever in the UK. OS Champion Phillipa Cherryson heads out on a two day hike to explore some of our amazing countryside.
Llyn y Fan Fach and Llyn y Fan Fawr Circular Walk
OS Champion Tracy Purnell takes us on a half day circular walk across Llyn y Fan Fach and Llyn y Fan Fawr in the Brecon Beacons National Park.
Bagging the Welsh dragon in the Black Mountains
Crossing the Black Mountains, starting at Pandy and moving on to Hay-on-Wye, the route has incredible views and a line of trig points ending in one decorated with a Welsh dragon.
A 34km Special Forces trek in the Brecon Beacons
A serious challenge, trig 642 is, despite its modest height, quite possibly one of the most demanding trig pillars to bag, if you stay true to the way it would be reached if you were on Special Forces ‘Selection’.
